Boards and Commissions Vacancies - Spring 2013

For Immediate Release Tuesday, April 02, 2013

Sponsored by: Board of Commissioners

Per Board of Commissioners procedures, the County Administrative Office will solicit applications from individuals for a six-week period. Staff will keep the Commissioners apprised of applications received and of approaching deadlines.

North Bethany County Service District Budget Committee– 4 current vacancies

Description: Reviews the proposed budget developed for the North Bethany County Service District in unincorporated Washington County.Members: The Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. The five residents must live in NBSCD.Term: 3 yearsStaff Contact: Mary Gruss, Chief Finance Officer, (503) 846-8811

Description: The Northwest Area Commission on Transportation (NWACT) is an advisory body chartered by the Oregon Transportation Commission. NWACT addresses all aspects of transportation (surface, marine, air, and transportation safety) with primary focus on the state transportation system. NWACT considers regional and local transportation issues in northwest Oregon that affect the state system. NWACT plays a key advisory role in the development of the Statewide Transportation Improvement Program (STIP), which schedules funded transportation projects. NWACT establishes a public process for area project selection priorities for the STIP. Through that process, they prioritize transportation problems and solutions and recommend projects in their area to be included in the STIP.Members: Two Citizen-At-Large members representing western Washington County. Members are non-elected citizens selected from private interests including but not limited to freight, trucking, bicycle, pedestrian, public transportation system, public interest advocacy groups, environmental, land use, local citizens, business, education, minority organizations, public safety providers, non-profit organizations, etc.Term: 2 yearsStaff Contact: Sia Lindstrom, County Administrative Office, (503) 846-8853

Description: RROMAC studies rural road operations and maintenance concerns in Washington County, works with county staff to develop program and funding alternatives and makes recommendations to the Board of County Commissioners.
Members: Ten members and two alternates who reside or have business interests in the county. The Board of Commissioners also appoints one of their members to be on the committee, although they are not an official member. Members represent different groups that have an interest in rural roads.Term: 4 yearsStaff Contact: Stacia Sheelar, Land Use & Transportation Operations, (503) 846-7615

Description: This Commission is responsible for ensuring the proper administration of the Civil Service Act, which includes the areas of classification allocation, testing, appointment, and protection of employee rights. Commission members also serve in an advisory role for the county's affirmative action program.Members: Five members who are registered voters within the county. No member of the Commission shall be a member of the governing body or an employee of the county or Clean Water Services except that any Commissioner may serve as a member of any other civil service commission.Term: 2 yearsStaff Contact: Brandi Johnston, Human Resources, (503) 846-3741

Description: Planning for future services and reviewing current programs are two key roles for these 13 volunteers. Their community ties and personal or professional familiarity with issues facing seniors and veterans make them an invaluable resource for Washington County Disability, Aging & Veterans' Services and the Board of Commissioners. The Council advises the department on policy, programs, and actions affecting the delivery of services and generally serves as an advocate for veterans and the elderly.
Members: Thirteen: consumers over age 60, Minority, an elected official, Veterans Healthcare Provider, Veterans Provider, General Public, under age 60 veteran and RuralTerm: 3 yearsStaff Contact: Janet Long, Aging & Veteran Services, (503) 846-3081

Description: The Board of Property Tax Appeals was established by state law to consider taxpayer petitions challenging assessed value determined by the County Assessor, review the annual Ration Study and recommend for valuation adjustments, and examine the assessment roll for needed corrections. The Board also considers requests to excuse penalties assessed for the late filing of real and personal property returns.Members: Five members who are residents of the county and are not employees of the county or any taxing district within the county. Qualifications include knowledge of real estate, appraisal and assessment practices, patience, understanding and a sense of civic responsibility.Term: 1 yearStaff Contact: Joe Nelson, Assessment & Taxation Records/Cartography, (503) 846-3947

Budget Committee – 2 vacancies (2 terms expiring 6/30/13)

Description: Reviews the proposed county budget submitted by the budget officer each fiscal year.Members: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. Each Commissioner/district is allocated an appointment; however the representative does not need to reside in the Commissioner's district.Term: 3 yearsStaff Contact: Mary Gruss, Chief Finance Officer, (503) 846-8811

Description: Review the proposed budget developed for the Enhanced Sheriff's Patrol District and Urban Roads Maintenance District in urban unincorporated Washington County.Members: Board of Commissioners plus five residents of the county. Each county Commissioner appoints one member. The five residents must live in the ESPD and URMD.Term: 3 yearsStaff Contact: Mary Gruss, Chief Finance Officer, (503) 846-8811

Farm Board of Review – 1 vacancy (1 term expiring 6/30/13)

Description: The Farm Board of Review is an advisory panel to the County Assessor. The Board meets once each year to inform the Assessor regarding farm land rents and other information pertaining to the valuation of farmland for property taxation as provided by Oregon law.Members: Five members with knowledge of agricultural land rents and current farming practices who are residents of the county. Three members are appointed by the Board of Commissioners, and two members are appointed by the County Tax Assessor.Term: 2 yearsStaff Contact: Steve Harris, Assessment & Taxation Appraisal Division Manager, (503) 846-8826

Description: Maintains a proud tradition of overseeing the only park in the county supported through a Local Improvement District. The Board plans and helps with park maintenance needs, deals with the administrative issues involved in running an active urban park.
Members: Nine members (seven regular and two alternates) who own property within the Metzger Park Local Improvement District.
Term: 1 year (to keep term expirations in sync)Staff Contact: Todd Winter, Parks Manager, (503) 359-5732

Description: Provides advice on the maintenance, operations, and capital development needs of county parks, including Scoggins Valley Park/ Henry Hagg Lake.Members: Nine members who are residents of the county. Traditionally members appointed from all Commissioner Districts.
Term: 1 year (to keep term expirations in sync)Staff Contact: Todd Winter, Parks Manager, (503) 359-5732

Description: Advises on library policy in matters of hiring, budget, materials selection and hours of service; assists with fund raising and volunteer program; represents the library on the Cooperative Library Advisory BoardMembers: Five members who are registered users of the West Slope LibraryTerm: 3 years Staff Contact: Eva Calcagno, Library Services Manager, (503) 846-3233

The application deadline is May 14, 2013 or open until filled. Applications may be obtained by visiting the Boards and Commissions website.

Boards, committees and commissions advise the Board of Commissioners on matters of interest to people who live and work in Washington County. Committees themselves do not pass ordinances to establish policy; their purpose is to study issues and make recommendations. Commission members are volunteers appointed by the County Board of Commissioners. In many cases, members must be residents of Washington County. Serving on an appointed board or commission is a great way for Washington County residents to participate in decisions that affect them and to learn more about how local government works.